Defining the church’s ministry by responding to people’s needs is a common notion; but, because of the blurred line between want and need, no matter how much we speak of needs or perceived needs, it puts the church in the…

My daughter was watching television in the family room while I sorted mail on the dining room table. I heard her yell, “I want Jesus. Jesus!!!! I waaant Jesus.” Thinking she needed some sort of spiritual help (and who better…

Of the several negative communication patterns congregations practice, three habits are particularly problematic: triangulation, pass-through communication, and anonymous feedback. While these three may be strategies for getting needs met, they all block rather than help healthy communication. Even if well…

At Alban we take seriously our educational mission to provide an independent center of learning that creates spaces where people from different denominations and faith traditions can work toward their goals and learn from one another in an atmosphere of…

At Alban we take seriously our educational mission to provide an independent center of learning that creates spaces where people from different denominations and faith traditions can work toward their goals and learn from one another in an atmosphere of…

Many of us come to a point where we decide to examine seriously our strengths, personality, values, and passions; a point where we carefully examine our uniqueness and how God has wired us. We begin to contemplate how God is…

The four basic gestures—taking, blessing, breaking, and giving—at the center of the eucharistic prayer provide a shape or outline for Christian life. As we consider the pattern of prayer at Table, these gestures provide a basis for Christian action at…

The word holy means set aside for a special purpose or withdrawn from common employment and dedicated to God. To set aside a day for a special purpose suggests a break in weekly patterns. To withdraw from common employment means…